Last Updated on September 20, 2026 by Bestusefultips
The Samsung Galaxy S25 is no longer Samsung’s newest compact flagship, but that does not automatically make it a bad buy. It still has a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, 12GB of RAM, a useful 3x telephoto camera and a long update commitment. The real question in 2026 is price: the newer Galaxy S26 now exists, so the S25 only becomes compelling when the discount is meaningful.
| Bottom line: The Galaxy S25 is still an excellent compact Android phone if you can buy it well below the price of a comparable Galaxy S26. At similar prices, buy the S26. The S25’s strengths are performance, size, cameras and long support; its biggest long-term weakness is the smaller 4,000mAh battery. |
| Key point | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| Memory | 12GB RAM |
| Rear cameras | 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom |
| Battery | 4,000mAh |
| Weight | 162g |
| Software support | Seven years of OS and security updates from launch |
| Current context | Galaxy S26 launched in March 2026 with a larger 4,300mAh battery and newer platform |
Why the Galaxy S25 still makes sense in 2026
The S25’s age is not a performance problem. Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy and 12GB of RAM are still far beyond what most everyday apps require. Messaging, photos, navigation, multitasking, social media, productivity and even demanding games are not reasons to avoid the phone in 2026.
The bigger reason to consider the S25 is size. At 162g with a 6.2-inch display, it is easier to use one-handed and carry than many large flagship phones. Compact high-end Android options remain relatively limited, so the S25 continues to fill a real niche even after a newer generation arrives.
Samsung lists the S25’s display, cameras, 12GB memory and 4,000mAh battery on the official Galaxy S25 specifications page.
The camera system is still versatile, even if it is not the newest hardware
The Galaxy S25 combines a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. That gives you three genuinely useful focal lengths rather than adding low-value sensors for the sake of a camera count.
For travel, family photos and everyday shooting, the telephoto lens remains one of the reasons to choose the S25 over many cheaper phones. The camera hardware is not a reason to upgrade from a recent S-series phone by itself, but it is still a complete package for someone moving up from a mid-range device.
Battery is the most important compromise to understand
The S25 uses a 4,000mAh battery. Samsung rates it for up to 29 hours of video playback under its test conditions, but capacity matters when comparing generations. The newer Galaxy S26 increases the battery to 4,300mAh and is rated for up to 30 hours of video playback.
That does not mean the S25 has poor battery life, but it is the specification most likely to influence a buyer who expects heavy daily use or wants to keep the phone for many years. Batteries also lose capacity as they age, so buying an older used S25 is a different decision from buying new old stock with a fresh battery.
Seven years of updates makes the S25 safer to buy late
Samsung committed the Galaxy S25 series to seven years of operating system and security updates. That long support window is important in 2026 because you are not buying a phone that is already close to the end of its software life.
For most users, the chipset will remain capable long before software support becomes the limiting factor. This is one of the strongest arguments for buying the S25 at a discount instead of a cheaper phone with a shorter update policy.
Galaxy S25 vs Galaxy S26: the price gap decides the winner
Samsung introduced the Galaxy S26 in March 2026. The newer model has a 6.3-inch display, a 4,300mAh battery and a newer processing platform. Samsung lists the S26 starting at $899.99 for 256GB before promotions, while the S25 remains listed in 128GB and 256GB configurations.
Because Samsung frequently runs discounts and trade-in offers, list price is less useful than the amount you will actually pay today. If an S25 is only slightly cheaper than an S26 with the same storage, choose the S26. If the S25 is discounted by a few hundred dollars, it becomes much easier to recommend because the core experience is still flagship-level.
For the current generation comparison, see Samsung’s Galaxy S26 product page, which shows the newer model’s 6.3-inch display and 4,300mAh battery.
Do Galaxy AI features make the S25 feel old?
No, not in the way a traditional hardware feature would. The S25 launched as an AI-focused phone and continues to support Samsung’s Galaxy AI ecosystem, including features integrated into One UI. Some newer models may gain additional functions or run certain tasks more efficiently, but the S25 is not a pre-AI Galaxy phone trying to catch up.
AI should not be the main reason to buy the S25 in 2026. The better reasons are the compact form factor, camera flexibility, strong performance and long support policy.
Who should still buy a Galaxy S25?
- Buy it if you want a compact premium Android phone and find it at a meaningful discount.
- Buy it if you want a real telephoto camera without moving to a much larger phone.
- Buy it if long software support is important and you plan to keep the phone for years.
- Skip it if the S26 costs only a little more in the same storage configuration.
- Skip it if battery endurance is your top priority and you are comfortable carrying a larger phone.
- Be cautious with used units unless you can verify battery health, screen condition and remaining warranty.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S25 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes, but only at the right price. The S25 has not suddenly become slow or obsolete because the S26 launched. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, 120Hz AMOLED display, triple-camera system and seven-year support policy still make it a premium phone.
The problem is value, not capability. Compare the final checkout price of the S25 and S26 with the same storage and without assuming that an older model is automatically cheaper. When the S25 is heavily discounted, it is one of the easiest ways to get a compact Samsung flagship experience for less. When the prices overlap, the newer S26 is the more sensible purchase.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the Galaxy S25 receive updates?
Samsung committed the Galaxy S25 series to seven years of operating system and security updates from launch.
Does the Galaxy S25 have a telephoto camera?
Yes. It has a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, alongside a 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra-wide camera.
Is the Galaxy S25 battery smaller than the S26 battery?
Yes. Samsung lists the S25 at 4,000mAh and the newer S26 at 4,300mAh.
Should I buy the Galaxy S25 or S26?
For most buyers, the answer depends on the live price. Choose the S26 when the cost is close. Choose the S25 when a strong discount makes the older model substantially cheaper.
